You were making it sound like we'd drafted 2 FBs in the previous couple of years and we haven't.

Greg Jones is an OLD FB and was only on a 1 year contract. The other guys were just guys, UDFA guys that we hoped would be able to come in and make a difference. But. Still. UDFA guys. Not guys you should put a lot of hope in.

But most importantly, KUBIAK guys. This is a different staff looking for different qualities.

You make a good point on the 4 guys being Kubiak guys, but I'd think that 4 guys at 1 position in 2 yrs. one of them should be able to stick. I also think that there were more important positions like ILB, OLB, and OT to fill.

This year we just might have matched it. Clowney, Su'a-Filo, Fiedorowicz, and Nix look like locks to start to me. Just one more guy works out and that matches the kind of quality we got in 2006. The thing is I'm more excited about these guys than I was that group.

I agree with your post for the most part... but that fat boy, Nix, worries me. If he comes into camp "in shape" then maybe he's a lock, but I won't count on him starting until we see him week 1 @ 330 or less.

You make a good point on the 4 guys being Kubiak guys, but I'd think that 4 guys at 1 position in 2 yrs. one of them should be able to stick. I also think that there were more important positions like ILB, OLB, and OT to fill.

I was also rooting for an ILB and we ended up getting one as a UDFA that I was hoping we'd draft. So I'm not worried about that and I think that resolves two positions.

We can't solve every problem in one draft and we don't really know how RAC and OB see our current players fitting into what they want to do. When it comes to the OL, I think OB sees it as:

Brown - XSF - Myers - Brooks - Q

I think that's a pretty good young line.

The linebacker situation has me guessing, to be honest. We're thin there and RAC doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. So I'm interested in seeing how they go on that front. Right now, I'm seeing it as:

Reed - Cush - Bullough - Clowney

But that's because I had expected Bullough to be drafted. It's really too much to expect a 6th, 7th, or UDFA rookie to come in and start. It could be:

Mercilus - Cush - Reed - Clowney

That combination worries me unless we're going back to playing Wade Phillips' 5-2.

Getting the best FB in the draft... I'm not considering that a bad thing. Especially with the way OB seems to be setting up our offense as more of a pound the ball, throw vertical sort of thing.

3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE - A
Maybe the best blocking TE in the draft. Replaces Dreessen, Texans best year running the ball was when Joel was here.

3.19 Louis Nix NT - C
At one point Nix was consensus top 15 pick. He dropped badly, every team seemed to know why but Texans. Shades of Williams and Montgomery. Not a fan of trading away #101 and #141 for someone who will only play 20%-30% of the defensive snaps. Played like a 4th-5th rd pick in 2013.

4.35 Tom Savage QB - D
Two time transfer, that indicates mental makeup likely "me" and "I" instead of team. Makes as many bad decisions as good decisions. 2 time transfer says he wasn't good enough to be #1 QB for two teams.

Rounds 6-7 = C

Prior to the draft I didn't think it possible that the Texans with the first pick in every round could possibly have an average and ordinary draft.

__________________The GREATEST risk is not taking one. ....Bob, hire Eliot Wolf, then get the hell out of the way.

3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE - A
Maybe the best blocking TE in the draft. Replaces Dreessen, Texans best year running the ball was when Joel was here.

3.19 Louis Nix NT - C
At one point Nix was consensus top 15 pick. He dropped badly, every team seemed to know why but Texans. Shades of Williams and Montgomery. Not a fan of trading away #101 and #141 for someone who will only play 20%-30% of the defensive snaps. Played like a 4th-5th rd pick in 2013.

4.35 Tom Savage QB - D
Two time transfer, that indicates mental makeup likely "me" and "I" instead of team. Makes as many bad decisions as good decisions. 2 time transfer says he wasn't good enough to be #1 QB for two teams.

Rounds 6-7 = C

Prior to the draft I didn't think it possible that the Texans with the first pick in every round could possibly have an average and ordinary draft.

He left Rutgers after he had a good year and the coach told him he'd still have to compete for his job, he left Arizona because he said due to scheme fit, or Imo he was intimidated by Foles

C thought we did not leverage the No 1 pick to gain more picks. Not sold on JC. Nix may be good but injury problems. Like guard.

Still same slow plodding team on offense. JC only possible impact player but he is on defense. I do agree defense needed to be upgraded but no skill players on offense.
Hope no big surprise with AJ this year.
Just my opinion

1. Clowney, an expected pick and best player in the draft. A
2. Su'a Filo, surprising but we got the best OG in the draft. A+
3. Fiedorowicz, good player but there was better talent available at positions of need. The player is a B, the pick is a head scratcher. C-
3b. Nix, best NT in the draft and if he stays healthy this pick is a conditional A+
4. Savage, he's got potential, I give the pick a B.
6. Pagan, he's a rotational body with decent size and there was better talent still available. C+
6b. Blue, head scratcher when you consider that Lache Seastrunk was still available. F
6c. Prosch, This pick makes no sense, haven't we already taken 2 FB's in the last 2 yrs., now we've got 3. In a very deep draft it's a wasted pick. F
7. Hal, grade based on potential alone, there were better prospects still available. C
7b. Ballentine, size and speed is what you look for in the 7th. B+

It seems that O'Brien was in charge of the first 4 rounds and that he then turned it over to Rick Smith who had no clue who any of these players were. Smith continues to treat the late rounds of the draft like they don't matter, and in possibly the deepest draft ever that's inexcuseable. Taking Blue in the 6th when Lache Seastrunk was available to you makes no sense what so ever, an injured rotational backup over one of the best RB prospects available? The first 5 picks are an A-, the last 5 picks are a C-/D+ I average it out to a B-

similar feelings so I can relate to this being avid mock draft guy myself but it's a given Texans have far reaching resources beyond our means as well as private information, medical/background. The 3rd day no doubt are coaching inspired picks presented by Texans scouting department to fill priority needs on this roster. much rep to you for telling your side of story

He left Rutgers after he had a good year and the coach told him he'd still have to compete for his job, he left Arizona because he said due to scheme fit, or Imo he was intimidated by Foles

What is almost always the case why people transfer is they weren't good enough to get the playing time they want. Jevan Snead, Garrett Gilbert and Storm Johnson are recent player transfers many folks can identify with.There are rare exceptions where a player graduates and can transfer w/o having to wait a year, as was the case w/ Russell Wilson.

__________________The GREATEST risk is not taking one. ....Bob, hire Eliot Wolf, then get the hell out of the way.

1.1 Jadeveon Clowney DE/OLB A
Best prospect in the draft and it didn't make sense to reach for just a guy .

Second Round

2.1 Xavier Su’a-Filo G A
Best guard in the draft and they needed a guard . You can't complain about building the trenches and then complain cause they did .

Third Round

3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE B+
The big target we've been asking for plus the best blocking TE in the draft . Newton or the RT may get help .

3.19 Louis Nix NT A
Wanted him in the 2nd because you can't teach big . He's not going to be asked to be a ballet dancer or run 5Ks , he's a NG .

Fourth Round

4.35 Tom Savage QB B
I think BOB got his man and hope Belichick drafted Grap by mistake . Savage has better arm talent than the big 3 QBs and he went the equivalent of a 2 year Mormon mission that made him grow up .

Sixth Round

6.1 Jeoffrey Pagan DE A
Needed a big strong 5 technique and he's been around a winning team .

6.5 Alfred Blue HB B
Like a back with few carries . Dude still has his legs and is a plus receiver .

6.35 Jay Prosch FB B+
Hard Nosed old school FB with good hands . Best blocking FB in the draft
Seventh Round

7.1 Andre Hal CB INC
Don't know anything about him yet .

7.41 Lonnie Ballentine FS B+
I like the fact the Texans want to get bigger faster stronger . No more 4.7 40's cause he's a player .

Overall and A for
1. Best prospect
2. Best OG
3. Best blocking TE
3. Best NG
6. Best blocking FB

FA brings beast at ILB .

I'm a half full type guy this time of year it makes it more enjoyable .

Similar body build to Randy Moss. Did not follow this prospect however could be a gem & addresses coveted FS position I projected much earlier (Bucannon). Very high ceiling developmental prospect, classic true boom or bust. sure scouting did their homework so will defer to them & ability to sell him to new coaching staff. check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD3ZpaUzxs day after grade B

216) Andre Hall, CB, Vanderbilt 5103 188

Studied this polished CB & actually selected him for Philly 7th rd. 237, so I agree with rating & along with Lonnie addresses db need could see some reps in nickle coverage & very good on special teams, hard worker & will compete. B

211) Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn 6010 256

Texans have struggled ever since Vonta Leach left team, if he can lead block for Foster like Leach this is solid value & replaces much costlier Greg Jones while signalling end to FB by committee experiment. Loved that power running attack Auburn used, this pick is more about system than player alone B+.

181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU 6023 223

Not crazy about Blue but possess plus size, similar to Foster. Back-up to prized #1 Jeremy Hill should be use to back-up role behind Foster. Plenty of tread life left on his wheels so should be fresh & fit into the power scheme. C

177) Jeffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama 6034 319

Back-up DE/NT. not explosive or athletically gifted but does have heavy hands & space eater. Had medical issues & played only one year as starter. See him as reach pick to fill need. C

135) Tom Savage, QB, Pitt 6037 228

Pocket QB with some mobility to extend plays. In mold of a Bortles or Tom Brady but must be developed by O'Brian in his toughest task to date. Some Cougar fans aren't going to like this but project Keenum to practice squad with TJ back-up to Fitzpatrick, Savage as backup to TJ. Goodbye Case & good luck! Had a solid 4th rd. grade throughout this process on Savage & given the need he gets a solid B.

83) Louis Nix III, NT/NG, Notre Dame 6023 331

Only reason I can think of why he dropped this far was his surgically repaired season-ending torn meniscus. Texans medical staff had to give assurances or at least a positive prognosis moving forward. So while I love this player/prospect we should be careful & not expect too much right away. Texans also gave up 4th & 5th rd. picks to Philadelphia to move up to acquire him. Some added cost that I hope will be well worth it, plus I really like his personality, he cracks me up & should keep locker room loose. B+

65) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6054 265

Favorite pick of Texan draft. 3rd rd. grade but could easily gone earlier. limited production based off conservative Iowa offense, under utilized but developed polish as in line & down-field blocker. Was scared to death Texans drafted him to trade to New England in exchange for Mallet. Fits the Gronk profile w/o injury concerns. A

33) Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA 6041 307

What separates him beside Samoan bloodline from Zach Martin (who went to Jerry Jones hopeless Cowgirls 16th overall) is his superior length & athletic ability. Gets to second level better than most OG's I've ever seen, should have went earlier, in most years he would have gone in first. Did/Could not project him being available for Texans. Strong & explosive in his play as teammate DE/OLB Anthony Barr (9th overall to Vikings)was defensively. A

1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina 6052 266

BPA. Cannot go wrong with that approach especially on a team that struggled in pass rushing that had created double & triple teams on Texans best defensive player JJ Watt. This gives Clowney an outstanding opportunity to play in a Romeo Crennel defense & being coached up personally with one of the hottest up & coming coaches in Mike Vrabel. Watt-Nix-Crick in front then Clowney-Cushing-Brooks-Mercilus in middle with Joseph-Lewis-Swearinger-Jackson back-end. A

Similar body build to Randy Moss. Did not follow this prospect however could be a gem & addresses coveted FS position I projected much earlier (Bucannon). Very high ceiling developmental prospect, classic true boom or bust. sure scouting did their homework so will defer to them & ability to sell him to new coaching staff. check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD3ZpaUzxs day after grade B

216) Andre Hall, CB, Vanderbilt 5103 188

Studied this polished CB & actually selected him for Philly 7th rd. 237, so I agree with rating & along with Lonnie addresses db need could see some reps in nickle coverage & very good on special teams, hard worker & will compete. B

211) Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn 6010 256

Texans have struggled ever since Vonta Leach left team, if he can lead block for Foster like Leach this is solid value & replaces much costlier Greg Jones while signalling end to FB by committee experiment. Loved that power running attack Auburn used, this pick is more about system than player alone B+.

181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU 6023 223

Not crazy about Blue but possess plus size, similar to Foster. Back-up to prized #1 Jeremy Hill should be use to back-up role behind Foster. Plenty of tread life left on his wheels so should be fresh & fit into the power scheme. C

177) Jeffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama 6034 319

Back-up DE/NT. not explosive or athletically gifted but does have heavy hands & space eater. Had medical issues & played only one year as starter. See him as reach pick to fill need. C

135) Tom Savage, QB, Pitt 6037 228

Pocket QB with some mobility to extend plays. In mold of a Bortles or Tom Brady but must be developed by O'Brian in his toughest task to date. Some Cougar fans aren't going to like this but project Keenum to practice squad with TJ back-up to Fitzpatrick, Savage as backup to TJ. Goodbye Case & good luck! Had a solid 4th rd. grade throughout this process on Savage & given the need he gets a solid B.

83) Louis Nix III, NT/NG, Notre Dame 6023 331

Only reason I can think of why he dropped this far was his surgically repaired season-ending torn meniscus. Texans medical staff had to give assurances or at least a positive prognosis moving forward. So while I love this player/prospect we should be careful & not expect too much right away. Texans also gave up 4th & 5th rd. picks to Philadelphia to move up to acquire him. Some added cost that I hope will be well worth it, plus I really like his personality, he cracks me up & should keep locker room loose. B+

65) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6054 265

Favorite pick of Texan draft. 3rd rd. grade but could easily gone earlier. limited production based off conservative Iowa offense, under utilized but developed polish as in line & down-field blocker. Was scared to death Texans drafted him to trade to New England in exchange for Mallet. Fits the Gronk profile w/o injury concerns. A

33) Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA 6041 307

What separates him beside Samoan bloodline from Zach Martin (who went to Jerry Jones hopeless Cowgirls 16th overall) is his superior length & athletic ability. Gets to second level better than most OG's I've ever seen, should have went earlier, in most years he would have gone in first. Did/Could not project him being available for Texans. Strong & explosive in his play as teammate DE/OLB Anthony Barr (9th overall to Vikings)was defensively. A

1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina 6052 266

BPA. Cannot go wrong with that approach especially on a team that struggled in pass rushing that had created double & triple teams on Texans best defensive player JJ Watt. This gives Clowney an outstanding opportunity to play in a Romeo Crennel defense & being coached up personally with one of the hottest up & coming coaches in Mike Vrabel. Watt-Nix-Crick in front then Clowney-Cushing-Brooks-Mercilus in middle with Joseph-Lewis-Swearinger-Jackson back-end. A

Similar body build to Randy Moss. Did not follow this prospect however could be a gem & addresses coveted FS position I projected much earlier (Bucannon). Very high ceiling developmental prospect, classic true boom or bust. sure scouting did their homework so will defer to them & ability to sell him to new coaching staff. check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD3ZpaUzxs day after grade B

The video was impressive to say the least. I liked those ones where he came across the field and chased the guy down. Wonder how he'll be against true NFL speed?

3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE - A
Maybe the best blocking TE in the draft. Replaces Dreessen, Texans best year running the ball was when Joel was here.

3.19 Louis Nix NT - C
At one point Nix was consensus top 15 pick. He dropped badly, every team seemed to know why but Texans. Shades of Williams and Montgomery. Not a fan of trading away #101 and #141 for someone who will only play 20%-30% of the defensive snaps. Played like a 4th-5th rd pick in 2013.

4.35 Tom Savage QB - D
Two time transfer, that indicates mental makeup likely "me" and "I" instead of team. Makes as many bad decisions as good decisions. 2 time transfer says he wasn't good enough to be #1 QB for two teams.

Rounds 6-7 = C

Prior to the draft I didn't think it possible that the Texans with the first pick in every round could possibly have an average and ordinary draft.

Average and ordinary! Lol

I knew I could count on you!

__________________
What's that at the bottom of the barrel? Just the inbred children of Uranus!

Best player in the draft. Helps Watt and helps the defense as a whole. No overthinking here.

2) Su'a-Filo - A+

We had a need at Guard and got potentially the best one in the draft. Great at pulling and loves finishing blocks from what tape I've seen. Love it; we could potentially have a really great line once everyone develops in Brown/Su'a-Filo/Myers/Brooks/Quessenberry.

3a) Fiedorowicz - A

Would've really liked to have Garoppolo here, but the best blocking TE in the draft with similar measureables to guys like Gronkowski and Sefarian-Jenkins who doubles as a red-zone threat? Love it.

3b) Nix - A+(++++)

An awesome player and even more awesome person, and in the middle of the third? Amazing value; even if Nix isn't used as a DT in 4-man fronts, he is PERFECT for this defense and should keep guys like Cush (and Reed, presumably) clean. Defense can't double him AND Watt AND Clowney and expect to get away with it.

4) Savage - B+

Would've preferred Garoppolo here, as I mentioned, but I was higher on Savage than most and getting him in the bottom of the 4th is good value. Let him sit for the season and see how things shake out draft-wise in 2015 (and because Savage is a late-4th pick, we aren't chained to him if a guy like Hundley or Mariota somehow fall to us). Good pick.

6a) Pagan - B+

Good scheme fit with lots of athletic potential; should be great DE depth if nothing else. My sole knock is his lack of playing time at Alabama, though that also means he's not riddled with injuries due to Saban's coaching.

6b) Blue - B+

Bluuuuuuuuuuuue! Feels like he's the heir apparent to Brown (and potentially Foster). Big back with good speed and a threat in the red zone; decent hands, too. Relatively low lack of carries means he's still got a lot of tread left.

6c) Prosch - A+

Best blocking fullback in the draft; he can run a 4.7 and can power clean 400lbs. In addition, he has decent hands an is a threat to catch. Love the pick.

7a) Hal - A+

I'm a believer in Brett Kollmann, and Brett loves this guy. For a 7th round pick, I love it.

7b) Ballentine - A

Raw player with great tools; he should contribute early and often on special teams, and if he improves technique-wise he should make a great Free Safety.

Overall, I give the draft an A. Who knows how some of these picks will look in retrospect, but it's difficult not to feel great about it now. We potentially have 4 starters alone from this draft.